“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” 1 Corinthians 13:4
1 Corinthians 13 is frequently called ‘the love chapter’. As we read yesterday, love is “the most excellent way” (1 Cor. 12:31). Without love, all our gifts mean nothing (1 Cor. 13:1-3).
So how will we recognise love when we see it? In verses 4-7, which we will tackle over the next few days, Paul shows us both what it is, and what it isn’t.
Firstly, love is patient and kind. These are two fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:22), all of which stem from love. Love waits to be asked; it doesn’t butt in. Love wants to do what is best for everyone. Next, what love doesn’t do: it doesn’t envy, it doesn’t boast. Love doesn’t mind if someone else gets ahead. Love is not proud. It is not selfish, or self-centred.
Jesus showed us what love is – He is patient with us (2 Pet. 3:9), and He is kind. Jesus is the epitome of love. In fact, you can substitute the name ‘Jesus’ for ‘love’ throughout this chapter and it fits like a glove. Jesus is patient, Jesus is kind. Jesus does not envy, Jesus does not boast, Jesus is not proud. How many of these qualities are you showing in your own life?
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